How do I know what size of whole house generator to choose?

• <div><p>Generators are usually sized by running watts and starting watts. Ideally, you’ll want a generator that can offer both the necessary running watts and starting watts for everything you need to power without going beyond 90% of its capacity. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/electrical-load-calculation.htm">Calculate your home’s electrical load</a> based on the breakers in your home or adding up the appliance and lighting needs of connected rooms.</p></div>

What can I run on different generator sizes?

• <div><p>Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:</p><p>Portable generator:</p><ul><li><p>2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. </p></li><li><p>4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.</p></li><li><p>8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.</p></li></ul><p>Partial to whole-house generator:</p><ul><li><p>20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

• <div><p>When installed and used correctly, generators are safe to use. The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/power-out-3-tips-safely-operate-home-generator.htm">most critical generator safety tips</a> to keep in mind are:</p><ul><li><p>Never use a portable generator inside an enclosed space, as the carbon monoxide exhaust it creates is lethal.</p></li><li><p>Never attempt to connect your generator to your home’s electrical panel independently; hire a professional for this dangerous job.</p></li><li><p>Never overload your generator by connecting more appliances than for which it’s rated; you can damage your generator and appliances or even cause a fire.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Gerber, CA

Q: Can you use biofuel in a whole-house generator?

• <div><p>In some situations, yes. Never try to put biofuel into any home generator without checking the specifics first. If a generator has the ability to run on diesel, it can also run pure biofuel (the clear kind made from seed oils, for example). But if you are using biofuel made from animal fats or vegetable oils, the generator will need significant modifications before it can handle a sludgier type of biofuel.</p></div>

Q: What can I run on different generator sizes?

• <div><p>Here&rsquo;s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:</p><p>Portable generator:</p><ul><li><p>2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. </p></li><li><p>4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.</p></li><li><p>8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.</p></li></ul><p>Partial to whole-house generator:</p><ul><li><p>20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home&rsquo;s power is still on.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: What incentives or rebates are available for home wind turbine installation?

• <div><p>Homeowners can often access federal tax credits, such as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which covers a percentage of installation costs. Many states and utilities offer additional rebates, grants, or performance-based incentives. These programs can significantly lower your upfront investment. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) or contact your local energy office for current offers.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Find Generator install pros in Gerber

Garner Electric

4.90(

)

•Approved Pro

Garner Electric

4.90(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 90% of Angi customers

3 years of experience

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!

"Had Garner Electric install 2 large deck ceiling fans and 2 electrical outlets at each end of the deck ceiling. Also put in a new outdoor GFI outlet. Garner Electric was extremely prompt responding to my request with reasonable price and professional work. Recommend highly without any reservations and will use again for future electrical work."

David S on August 2025

"Had Garner Electric install 2 large deck ceiling fans and 2 electrical outlets at each end of the deck ceiling. Also put in a new outdoor GFI outlet. Garner Electric was extremely prompt responding to my request with reasonable price and professional work. Recommend highly without any reservations and will use again for future electrical work."

David S on August 2025

Jed Faulkner Electric

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Jed Faulkner Electric

Emergency services offered

We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of General Contractor services that are customizable to each individual project. You will find us to be competitively priced, paying close attention to the details of each and every project that we are involved with. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!

"Jed came for an estimate. I probably will hire him within a month or two after I receive the quote. He contacted me promptly, called with ETA, arrived soon after work, was personable and knowledgeable, and worked quickly and efficiently. "

Karen M on November 2025

"Jed came for an estimate. I probably will hire him within a month or two after I receive the quote. He contacted me promptly, called with ETA, arrived soon after work, was personable and knowledgeable, and worked quickly and efficiently. "

Karen M on November 2025

NorCal Electric and Pump Works

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

NorCal Electric and Pump Works

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

10 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

We at Norcal Electric and Pump Works offers well pump repair and installation of new pumps, electrical repairs and installation, power pole installation, window and door replacement, siding repairs and new siding, plumbing repair and remodels. We always keep in constant contact with our customers no matter how large or small your project may be and take great pride in exceeding your expectations with quality work and fair pricing. We strive to get your well pump up and running as quickly as possible, we understand the urgency of having your water back up and running. We will always be respectful of your job site and we will leave it as clean as it was before we started. We service Tehama, Glen, Butte and Shasta counties. Feel free to contact us with any questions or a bid for a new project or repair.

"Fat and good for price. Right on time"

Soledad L on November 2025

"Fat and good for price. Right on time"

Soledad L on November 2025

High Voltage Electric

New on AngiNew on Angi

•Approved Pro

High Voltage Electric

New on AngiNew on Angi

•Approved Pro

11 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

High Voltage Electric is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Alexander Technical Resources

4.74(

1,889

)

Alexander Technical Resources

4.74(

1,889

)

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 90% of Angi customers

Free Phone Consultation. Not sure if we can help? Give us a call, it's on us! We are more than happy to talk with you and discuss your computer problems. Fast service. In some cases we can help you right now! If not, we will schedule an appointment that fits your schedule. If you receive our answering service, please leave us a message. We will call you back as soon as possible. Domestic Based Support. Our company is based right here in the United States and all of our technicians speak clear, fluent English. Safe Interaction. By using our online support center, no one has to come out to your home to fix your computer. That means no strangers in your home and you don’t even have to get dressed, if you don’t want to. Extremely Affordable & Convenient. Unhooking your computer, dragging it out to the car, then driving to the store and dragging in there and waiting for weeks to get it back and then pay hundreds of dollars for such fantastic service. That’s the typical experience for most users. Most Issues are software based. In our experience. 85% of user’s problems are either software or operating system problems due to bugs, worms, virus’, Trojans, malware, grayware or spyware related. As long as your computer turns on and has an internet connection, we can probably solve your issue. If we find that your issue is a hardware issue, we will recommend a trusted, local support company to help you further, if possible.

"Online repair. He has helped me in the past and I cannot say enough nice things about him. The next day I had a tiny issue and he responded immediately. Thorough. Thank you!"

Jan C on February 2019

"Online repair. He has helped me in the past and I cannot say enough nice things about him. The next day I had a tiny issue and he responded immediately. Thorough. Thank you!"

Jan C on February 2019

High Country Construction

4.98(

)

High Country Construction

4.98(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

( High Country Construction ) Offers Free Estimates, Quality Work At An Honest Price, Professional Employee's, We Are An EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm Also Accredited Business With The Better Business Bureau. We Treat Every Project As If It Will Be Our Next Referral.

"Loren and his crew did an amazing job on our remodel. Always here when they said they would be and they did quality work. Would definitely hire again. Thank you guys so much"

arlene y on November 2020

"Loren and his crew did an amazing job on our remodel. Always here when they said they would be and they did quality work. Would definitely hire again. Thank you guys so much"

arlene y on November 2020

Affordable Fans - The Fan Doctor

4.92(

)

Affordable Fans - The Fan Doctor

4.92(

)

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Owner operated. Additional DBA: The Fan Doctor. Licensed electrician in New Hampshire & Massachusetts. Over 30 years experience.

"Excellent parts. Fast delivery."

William W on April 2021

Owner operated. Additional DBA: The Fan Doctor. Licensed electrician in New Hampshire & Massachusetts. Over 30 years experience.

"Excellent parts. Fast delivery."

William W on April 2021

iResQ

4.84(

)

iResQ

4.84(

)

Customers say: Quality work

31 years of experience

iResQ is made up of people just like yourself, people who love their iPods, iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and other Apple products. We believe that we have found a better way to upgrade, repair and maintain your iPod, iPhone, iPad, Mac Laptop or Desktop Mac. Quick, affordable repair has never been easier, no matter where in the USA you are located. Additional e-mails - [email protected] & [email protected]. Charges are determined by services provided. National mail order repair available. Free 24 hour diagnostics on website.

Goodman Services

4.94(

)

Goodman Services

4.94(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Goodman Services is a locally owned business specializing in HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING and ELECTRICAL SALES and SERVICES. We also offer GENERATOR repair, sales and set up. For over 30 years we have offered quality solutions to home owners and businesses alike. Our approach is to provide our customers with practical solutions that supply an end product that is valuable and of the highest quality. All equipment you install is under manufacturer warranties. Any label I work on is warrantied/covered for one year from service.

Eric Olson Handyman

4.85(

)

Eric Olson Handyman

4.85(

)

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 90% of Angi customers

20 + Years Experience

"Slow. I was quoted a price apparently that didn’t include materials. He showed up unprepared to do the work and had to get materials. That took hours when he said 30 minutes. The guy is scatter brained."

William B on September 2019

20 + Years Experience

"Slow. I was quoted a price apparently that didn’t include materials. He showed up unprepared to do the work and had to get materials. That took hours when he said 30 minutes. The guy is scatter brained."

William B on September 2019

Showing 1-10 of 50

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

Generators are usually sized by running watts and starting watts. Ideally, you’ll want a generator that can offer both the necessary running watts and starting watts for everything you need to power without going beyond 90% of its capacity. Calculate your home’s electrical load based on the breakers in your home or adding up the appliance and lighting needs of connected rooms.

In some situations, yes. Never try to put biofuel into any home generator without checking the specifics first. If a generator has the ability to run on diesel, it can also run pure biofuel (the clear kind made from seed oils, for example). But if you are using biofuel made from animal fats or vegetable oils, the generator will need significant modifications before it can handle a sludgier type of biofuel.

Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:

Portable generator:

2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers.
4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.
8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.

Partial to whole-house generator:

20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.

Homeowners can often access federal tax credits, such as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which covers a percentage of installation costs. Many states and utilities offer additional rebates, grants, or performance-based incentives. These programs can significantly lower your upfront investment. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) or contact your local energy office for current offers.

When installed and used correctly, generators are safe to use. The most critical generator safety tips to keep in mind are:

Never use a portable generator inside an enclosed space, as the carbon monoxide exhaust it creates is lethal.
Never attempt to connect your generator to your home’s electrical panel independently; hire a professional for this dangerous job.
Never overload your generator by connecting more appliances than for which it’s rated; you can damage your generator and appliances or even cause a fire.

The Gerber, CA homeowners’ guide to generator installs

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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